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Copper Hill Church
Candlelight moments on Christmas Eve

Nazareth to Bethlehem an Unexpected Journey

Posted on December 26, 2022December 26, 2022

Full pews for Christmas Eve Celebration

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Months of preparation came together in a unique and inspiring Christmas Eve celebration at Copper Hill Church. Music director JoAnne Jones teamed with flutist Mary Jane Sullivan for a flute/harp duet, a beautiful arrangement of “Bring a Torch Jeannette Isabella.” The key word for the service was “glory.” The Christmas Choir sang a medley JoAnne had arranged that climaxed with Vivaldi’s “Gloria,” and the congregation sang “Angels We Have Heard on High” with its refrain “Gloria in Excelsis Deo.” Lisa Griffin read the Christmas story from Luke 2:1-20. Morgan and Malia Gabbidon read the Advent reading and lit the Advent candles.

Singing with joy on Christmas Eve
Singing with joy on Christmas Eve

Pastor Kelvin’s message was about Mary and Joseph’s unexpected Journey to Bethlehem. He reminded us that God has not forgotten us when we also are on unexpected journeys. Life often sends us on such seeming detours. But we can always count on Emmanuel, God with us. Especially in our most difficult moments, God is with us, He is for us, not against us. As the Bible says,

God has said, “Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper. NIV

Hebrews 13:5-6

God has a way of bringing good out of even the most adverse circumstances. He redeems our sufferings and trials. Every year Christmas is a reminder that the coming of Jesus is Good News, and especially so when our circumstances are adverse.

2 thoughts on “Nazareth to Bethlehem an Unexpected Journey”

  1. Amy Schantz says:
    December 26, 2022 at 8:20 pm

    Was an amazing service!! Glory be to God!!!!

  2. Jeanne Cooke says:
    December 26, 2022 at 9:09 pm

    Thank you so much for that good word. Our family has been going thru some adverse events and the verse that speaks of Immanuel God is with us is so meaningful to me right now. We don’t have to wonder if God is with us He is with us. Thank you again.

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